Autonomous delivery company Avride has introduced an innovative four-wheel delivery robot, designed to enhance efficiency and maneuverability in urban environments. This new model addresses the limitations of its predecessor, the six-wheel version, which, while stable, was hampered by excessive energy consumption due to wheel drag.
The four-wheel configuration features pivoting axles that enable the wheels to rotate both inward and outward. This design significantly minimizes turning friction, allowing the robot to execute a 180-degree turn almost instantaneously, making it far more agile in tight city spaces.
In addition to its new design, Avride has upgraded the robot’s hardware by incorporating Nvidia’s Jetson Orin platform. This powerful system equips the delivery carts with the ability to run complex neural networks similar to those found in autonomous vehicles. Such computational capabilities are essential for processing real-time data from lidar sensors and cameras, enabling the robots to operate continuously for up to 13 hours.
The latest Avride robots also boast a charming animated LED front panel that displays eye expressions, making them more approachable as they navigate through urban areas. This thoughtful design element aims to foster a friendly interaction between the robots and the public during their deliveries.
Production of these advanced robots has commenced in Taiwan, with plans for their debut in Austin‘s Mueller neighborhood. This area has already seen the deployment of Avride’s earlier models, primarily focused on delivering restaurant orders since 2023.